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Groundscore
is an eclectic jazz-funk ensemble consisting of five members who's first show
in Missoula was filled The
Top Hat with a mix of funk, jazz, reggae, and Latin rhythms.
 Originally
hailing from Chapel Hill, N.C, Groundscore cam together in July of 2000. The
original members included singer Courtney Spoule, guitarist Dwight
Carlisle, and keyboardist Jon Sappington. When they relocated to
Portland, OR, they strenghtened their sound with newcomers Bill Mead
on drums and Joe Watrous on bass.
On this particular night in Montana, Courtney Spoule's voice was a refreshing
sip of cold water in a rather smokey bar. Many have compared her honey-sweet
and semi-operatic sound to singers like Edie Brickell, Chrissie Hynde, and Gwen
Stefani. Whatever the similarity may be, she gave every Groundscore tune an
original and jazzy dimension that was nostalgic of old time bubblegum diddies.
Dwight Carlisle, Groundscore's guitarist and accompanying vocalist, provided stable guidance for his other band mates while at times taking center stage with headshaking licks. Also a singer, his silvertoned vocals were a welcome anchor to Spoule's rather high-pitched voice.
Jon Sappington let loose on the keyboards, managing to swoop down on each key while playing them in tempo to the others in the band. His energetic motions radiate a Merl Saunders quality that can only stem from a love of performing.
Adding to the mix was Joe Watrous, who slapped his bass like his hands were on fire. His stage presence alone was worth the trip out that night. With his face scrunched up in an imitation bitter beer face, his extreme concentration emphasized his spirited and inexhaustable precision on bass.
Watching Bill Mead on drums was a delightfully dizzying experience. There was no seperation of sticks and hands, just concentric beats that seemed to stem from the tips of his fingers into the very belly of the drum-kit and its extremities.
All-around, Groundscore is a tight band whose sampling of assorted genres has
produced a new facet of original music. Who ever pointed Groundscore towards
Missoula knew music like theirs would not go unappreciated. And just to sweeten
the deal, there was no cover charge. Talk about getting down and funky for free.
Tanya Seledee
JamBase | Missoula
Go See Live Music!
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